Mayo GAA has been dealt a real blow this Saturday, with reports suggesting that superstar teenager Kobe McDonald is set to make the switch to Aussie Rules.

The Irish Examiner’s Maurice Brosnan reported on Saturday morning that 17-year-old McDonald is set to sign with a view to joining an AFL club down under after he completes his Leaving Cert exams next summer.

It’s a massive blow for the Westerners, who would have hoped for McDonald to be the cornerstone of their team in the years to come.

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Son of Mayo legend Ciarán, Kobe has emerged as one of the most exciting Gaelic football talents in recent memory over the past few years.

He was hugely impressive in last year’s victorious Connacht minor championship campaign for Mayo, but it was this year’s senior county championship that properly announced his ridiculous talent.

Kobe McDonald caught the eye with his sublime performances for Crossmolina Deel Rovers as they reached the semi-finals of the Mayo SFC.

He scored 1-5 in the quarter-final against Belmullet, and a remarkable 0-10 in the last-four defeat to Westport.

However, it looks like he will not be following his senior club debut with the move to senior inter-county football, and Mayo fans expressed their frustration with the situation on Saturday afternoon.

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Mayo GAA lose another big talent as Kobe McDonald to make AFL switch

The Irish Examiner’s report suggests that Kobe McDonald made the journey to Melbourne earlier this year, presumably when his decision to switch to Aussie Rules was born.

After the report was published on Saturday morning, there was significant reaction from GAA fans online.

Many from Mayo expressed their frustration that McDonald had been “tapped up” before his senior debut, a growing concern for many in GAA circles.

This is a very depressing blow to the county. I’ve no issue with lads going out to Australia playing that game but the GAA need to stop facilitating these leeches tapping lads up. No need for county twitter admins to be reposting afl accounts either. #mayogaa https://t.co/nc7KYoLs88

— John Coyle (@coylejohn11) November 1, 2025

Two successive Mayo managements have lost arguably their best talent before a competitive game.

Oisin Mullin signed up for Aussie Rules in Nov 22, Kevin McStay wasn’t long in the job.

Kobe McDonald in Nov 25 before a competitive game in charge for Andy Moran.

— Edwin McGreal (@edmcgreal) November 1, 2025

An amazing opportunity for Kobe and you couldn’t blame him for taking it.

But f*ck the AFL. https://t.co/U4rTy10uWs

— Ger Flanagan (@Gerry_Flan93) November 1, 2025

https://t.co/hqxOZ8tDOY pic.twitter.com/kjxBV6ulul

— Mark Ronayne (@mark_ronayne) November 1, 2025

#MayoGAA https://t.co/FZCsjIyOwg pic.twitter.com/YDmyQdLkTw

— James Connor (@JamesConnor18) November 1, 2025

Hugely disappointing for @MayoGAA (& all of us with a love for the GAA) with the news that Kobe McDonald is off to the AFL 🫤 – another blow, with Oisin Mullin already gone.

Not sure what the solution is, hard to deny a lad heading off.#GAA #AFL https://t.co/dTn5AYbZ9r pic.twitter.com/GHk7gzi9TK

— Barry Jones ® (@getoffthehill) November 1, 2025

 

 

 

 

The trend of Gaelic footballers making the switch to Aussie Rules is a well-established one, though it will be worrying that such a bright prospect has been convinced to make the move before ever pulling on the county jersey at senior level.

Seen for some time as the future of Mayo football, it will be a real shame if we never see Kobe McDonald pull on the green and red jersey.

The Examiner report the deal will be announced within the week, so Mayo fans will hopefully have clarity on the situation before too long.

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